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What Is Andrew Bynum Really Worth to the Lakers? By C.Y. Ellis
10.17.2008 - Updated on 10.17.2008
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Despite the promising year ahead, fans of the Lakers have to be feeling a little uncomfortable right now. Last season saw the purple-and-gold come within inches of their umpteenth championship, and the general opinion in California was that a healthy Andrew Bynum would have pushed them over the top.
Well, the young fella is set to hit the ground running on opening night and, excepting a little Phil-Lamar beef, things seem settled in Lakerland. All good, right? Apparently not.
The Lakers have until Oct. 31 to sign Bynum to a five-year contract extension, though discussions with the team have been "few and not significant," according to Bynum’s agent, David Lee."
I just don’t get it," Lee said. "I do not understand certain things that happen. Andrew has taken everything the Lakers have thrown at him, including criticism. He doesn’t do anything to respond other than go on the court. He just goes on with his business." - latimes.com
Forgive me for skipping a few steps, but it’s fairly obvious what’s going on here. Andrew Bynum, prodded by his agent, has it in mind that he’s in line for a big payday. The biggest, in fact. Mitch Kupchak and pals, meanwhile, are unlikely to agree that the pubescent pivot is worth a maximum contract. While there may not have been much dialogue between the two parties as yet, it’s likely both know what the other is thinking.
So, who’s going to budge first? It’s understood that the Lakers want to see Bynum play a couple of games before they cut the cheque, so a lot will be dependent on how he handles the preaseason. Let’s assume the big fella picks up where he left off and puts up big numbers over his first few games. Can he possibly do enough to convince the front office that he’s worth a max-money deal?
Let us know how much you think Andrew Bynum is worth in the comment box below. Oh, and feel free to have at one another verbally. We always enjoy a good war of words.
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Posted by
Jams
on 10.21.2008 | He hasn’t proven anything yet. The problem is his potential is high and they are forced to do something. Maybe just sign a one year contract for like 10 million with a big payday next year if he lives up to his potential? . | Posted by
Aspiring Blogger (DW)
on 10.19.2008 | Ellis you are very disappointing. I asked if could help me out, the least you could have did was say you don’t want to provide information. To ignore me and not take me serious is messed up. I asked another website editor and they instantly helped me out. It’s shame I thought my favorite blooger would look out for me, but I guess not. Thanks for nothing . | Posted by
on 10.19.2008 | The Lakers should just wait until next season, and re-sign Kobe (if he opts out; hopefully he doesn’t), and then match any offer sheet Bynum gets from any team. If they do not have enough money, they could let Odom go.remember Bynum is restricted, and the Lakers could match any offer he is given. . | Posted by
on 10.19.2008 | They should just pay him the max! He has proven himself already before the injury. Keep in mind, he is no Kwame Brown who hasn’t really done anything and still gets the big bucks not to mention Walton & Radmanovic who are so inconsistent! And yes, if it wasn’t for Lamar Odom he wouldn’t be injured! So pay Drew what he deserves ... the max! . | Posted by
NEIL NAMEROFF
on 10.19.2008 | The smart play is to trade Bynum and Odom to Miami for The Matrix (Marion) and Haslem and future no. 1. Miami’s assumes a high risk that Bynum will not live up to expectations. Haslem will produce similar numbers as Bynum at half the price and Marion is a much better player than Odom. But Miami is desperate at the 5 and Odom and wade are friends. . | Posted by
Canipoker
on 10.19.2008 | i believe "The Man" should receive at the least 80 million for 5 years. Had it not been for Lamar in the first place,"The Kid" would have put up ridiculous numbers,and we would not be in this predicament. The front office knows that they have a jewel of a player here,it’s just that they have Mr. Jackson who puts value in a Walton or Vlad as their savior to a championship...give me a break.Open your eyes people,the "Trophy" lies in the hands of your next great franchise...Andrew Bynum.."The Man"!!!! . | Posted by
luisy
on 10.18.2008 | Had he played the full season last year he would have helped Kobe win the championship and would have earned superstar status. He deserves 60 million bucks. . | Posted by
vipb
on 10.18.2008 | more they gine bynum, the less they will be able to give to kobe in a year from now. is bynum really worth giving up kb24. . | Posted by
romh
on 10.18.2008 | If I were the GM i would give bynum 60 million. that would enough for him, the lakers are going to give it to him after they see him play opening night against greg oden and the trail blazers. Lakers 2008-09 Baby!!! . | Posted by
on 10.18.2008 | They can’t afford to pay Bynum the max while they have Kobe, Pau, and Lamar already taking up $49 million of their $58 million salary cap. But, if they dump Lamar and his contract, Bynum will get his money. . | Posted by
Dallas Hickle
on 10.17.2008 | I would tie his contract to his performance, like most should. It can be structured in many ways. Make each category yield bonus credits. If he averages 12 points, he gets 10 credits, if he averages 15 points he gets 12 credits. If he averages 10 rebounds, he gets 10 credits, if 12 rebounds 12 credits, and so on. Same with blocks. Add the total credits and adjust his salary based on total credits. It can be adjusted by time on the court. You produce, you benefit. Each year it can be adjusted slightly higher. . | Posted by
504 Boi
on 10.17.2008 | Let’s get to some real news. How about the Warriors seriously considering voiding Monta’s contract. I think they should, don’t give that buster a pass, for his stupidity. $3mil out of $66 mil ain’t good enough. Make him sign for the mid-level expection and make him learn a lesson . | Posted by
Aspiring Blogger (DW)
on 10.17.2008 | He should get $70 million at the most. Mr.Ellis I am curious what a person like you makes. One day I hope to be an editor of basketball website. If you don’t want to tell me in fron of everyone please email me at darronwilliamson@yahoo.com, if you feel comfortable sharing that with me. Thanks for your help! . | Posted by
Coupon Tom
on 10.17.2008 | If Allan Houston and Michael Finley can get $100 million. Agent Zero can get $111 million. Rashard Lewis $126 million. Kenyon Martin $92 million. Brian Grant $86 million, Eddie Jones $86 million. Hell even Joe Smith was offered $86 million with the under the table agreement. Nene and Ben Wallace got $60 million. Marbury $80 Million. Michael Dickerson $43 million. Bryant Reeves $65 million. And I could give more ridiculous examples. Then why can’t Bynum get $75 million. It’s a damn shame the common workers in the league are getting laid off left and right. But these players are getting this absurd amount of money. My $27,500 a year salary seems like poverty compared to theirs, excuse me while I go cry now . | Posted by
Lil Dick
on 10.17.2008 | $50 million should be his max. He hasn’t proven the same as CP3, DWill, and others that came along in that draft. He’s so overrated . |
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